With over thirty years of combined experience, our plastic surgeons, Dr. Robert A. Hardesty and Dr. Della C. Bennett, specialize in your personalized surgical care from their practice in Riverside. Our surgeons are noted for their receptiveness to patient needs, thorough consultations, and attention to detail.
Robert A. Hardesty, M.D.
Robert A. Hardesty, M.D. has had an active fulltime surgical practice serving the Inland Empire for nearly 30 years.
Dr. Hardesty is the former Chief of the Department of Plastic Surgery and founder of the Plastic Surgery Residency Training Program at Loma Linda University Medical center and affiliated hospitals. He holds an academic rank of clinic professor at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
Dr. Hardesty graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1978. He subsequently completed both a general surgery residency at Loma Linda Medical Center and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh. As a result, he is board certified in both general surgery and plastic surgery. In addition, he completed a one-year fellowship in craniofacial surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Hardesty has been active in both basic science and clinical research studies.
After finishing his formal post-graduate surgical training, he was invited to join the full time faculty in the Division of Plastic Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. His efforts concentrated in 3 major areas: 1) clinical care, 2) research (both clinical & basic science), and 3) teaching. These efforts culminated in many awards, most notably being voted by his peers to host the prestigious Plastic Surgery Research Council in April 1998. Academically, Dr. Hardesty has lectured extensively and published in many scientific journals. These scholastic efforts were recognized by founding the first "integrated" plastic surgical residency training program in the United States in 1991. In addition, his leadership qualities were recognized by serving on numerous local, regional and international committees and boards. He rose through the ranks of the medical staff at Loma Linda University Medical Center, becoming president of the Medical Staff in 1999. During his tenure at Loma Linda University Medical Center, he was noted for clinical care and surgical results (craniofacial surgery, plastic surgical reconstruction of Siamese twins after surgical separation and establishing a private office for cosmetic surgery).
In 2003, he transitioned from the full time academic setting into private practice of plastic surgery with an emphasis in cosmetic surgery.
The delivery of personal, individualized, and total patient care has been the hallmark of Dr. Hardesty's success. By a vote of his peers, he has been listed in the nationally recognized publications, Castle Connolly's Top Doctors in America: Plastic Surgery & Cosmetic Surgery and Best Doctors in America from 1996 to present. Because of his excellent reputation, he has appeared on several national broadcasts, as well as numerous local television and radio talk shows. His national lay print coverage includes People magazine.
Dr. Hardesty donates his time regularly to international medical projects and has provided care, without charge, to those individuals with congenital or acquired deformities. He has traveled to Africa, Argentina, India, Mexico, Nepal, and the Philippines. While at Loma Linda University, Dr. Hardesty founded "Operation Good Samaritan."
Dr. Hardesty's proudest accomplishments and blessings, however, are his marriage of over 25 years to Marti Baum-Hardesty, M.D. and their four children: Ashlee, Bradford, Chelsea, and Derik.
Degrees
BA Loma Linda University/School of Arts & Sciences - December 1974
MD Loma Linda University/School of Medicine - June 1978
Fellowship
Fellow in Pediatric and Craniofacial Surgery
Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Deformities Institute
Children’s Hospital, Washington University
St. Louis, MO
July 1986 – June 1987
Board Certification
National Medical Boards 1979
American Board of Surgery 1984
American Board of Plastic Surgery 1989
Licensures
California - 1979
Pennsylvania - 1984
Missouri - 1986
Societies and Organizations
Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation
Adventist International Medical Society
Alpha Omega Alpha Association
Alumni Association – Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Della C. Bennett, M.D.
Della C. Bennett, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon serving the Inland Empire since 2006. She specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery with a focus on breast surgery, body contouring, and facial rejuvenation. She performs minimally invasive surgical techniques with smaller incisions, less visible scarring, and more rapid recovery. Dr. Bennett's warm, compassionate, and approachable nature puts her patients at ease.
Open communication is critical for a successful doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Bennett wants to understand your desires, hopes and fears regarding surgery. Therefore an extended initial consultation is held to review the patient medical history, explore your desires, and build a trusting relationship. Once an understanding has been accomplished, Dr. Bennett's goal is to fully educate you about the available alternatives and assist in choosing the most appropriate treatment.
Dr. Bennett performs her procedures in state of the art, AAAHC accredited, surgical facilities. These locations include Premier Outpatient Surgery Center, Riverside Community Hospital, and Redlands Community Hospital. Dr. Bennett is committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and patient safety.
Dr. Bennett graduated from Dartmouth College where she majored in biogenetics and minored in studio art. She then attended Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and was one of the top ten graduates of her class. She trained at Loma Linda University School of Medicine for six years in the integrated general and plastic surgery residency. Her research accomplishments during residency broadened her knowledge and allowed her to collaborate with plastic surgeons from around the world. She maintains her connection with the University and is part of the clinical faculty working with resident physicians. Dr. Bennett also dedicates her time to working with breast cancer and burn trauma survivors at San Bernardino County's Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Bennett appreciates the opportunity to be involved in her patient's lives and enjoys witnessing the positive change in self-esteem her patient's experience. If you would like to meet Dr. Bennett please request your complimentary consultation today.
Professional Affiliations
American Board of Plastic Surgery - Diplomat
American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Member
California Society of Plastic Surgeons - Member
Hospital Affiliations
Premier Outpatient Surgery Center
Redlands Community Hospital
Riverside Community Hospital
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Mission Trips/Outreach
Operation Good Samaritan - Nuzvid, India
Education
Dartmouth College 1992-1996
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine 1996-2000
Loma Linda University School of Medicine 2000-2006
Honors
Patient's Choice Award 2008
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Academic Positions
Assistant Professor Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Assistant Clinical Professor Loma Linda University Medical Center
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